The differences between a pit bull and a stafford are not significant. These breeds are often confused. Both dogs were bred for the purpose of participating in brutal fights. But the first appeared earlier, by crossing a white terrier with an English bulldog.
Later the world saw the Staffords. They are descended from the same ancestors, so the differences are minimal. But when choosing a pet, every detail matters.
Description of breeds
Brief characteristics of the dogs are presented in the table.
| Index | Pitbull | Staff |
| Height of an adult at the withers (boy/girl), cm | 49/44 | 48/46 |
| Weight, kg | 20-30 | 22-30 |
| Wool | Short, shiny and tight-fitting | |
| Acceptable colors | The color can be any: from solid to brindle with small inclusions | The standard allows from cream to black; spotted, brindle, tan, piebald |
| How long do they live on average, years | 13 | 12-15 |
| Character traits | Loyalty, possible aggression, impulsiveness | Fearless, loyal, trainable |
| Ears | Standing or semi-standing | Set high, docking acceptable |
| Health | Strong, rarely get sick | |
Differences
Despite some similarities between the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull Terrier, there are differences in appearance and character.
By appearance
Pit bulls have slight disproportions (unlike Stafford) in their physique:
- the head is large;
- paws are short;
- the back is domed.
The Amstaff is characterized by a deep and powerful chest. The paws fit tightly to the body, they are longer and more muscular. Pitas have a wide chest, but less developed. The muzzle muscles are not as clearly defined as in the first breed, and the cheekbones are less square, but they are larger in appearance.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
A Stafford's nose must be black (a Pit's nose must be brown). This is the only difference in color.
If we consider the physical capabilities of these breeds, then the pit bull is stronger.
The nature
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier are known as "brutal killers", with the former considered the most dangerous. Glory stems from their bloody battles in the past. But with proper upbringing, puppies grow up to be affectionate, loyal and playful.
The animal is suitable for an owner who is willing to devote a lot of time to its upbringing without developing (even unconsciously) cruelty in the pet.
Some personality differences:
- the staff is more flexible and more willing to carry out commands and remembers them quickly;
- The pit bull's level of aggressiveness is higher;
- Amstaff is more diligent in training, as it always tries to please its owner.
But both breeds are not intended for guarding, rather for protection, they are companion dogs.
External differences
Akita Inu and Shiba Inu: differences, what is the difference
When comparing dogs of the Pitbull and Stafford breeds, the differences in appearance can be practically unnoticed. But despite this, professional dog breeders divide these dogs according to the following characteristics:
- Age difference - Staffs grow in height from 44 to 48 cm, while the height at the withers of pit bulls varies from 40 to 42 cm. The difference in height reaches 6 cm.
- The difference in weight - despite the fact that the difference is insignificant, it still takes place. Pitbulls weigh from 12 to 28 kg, and Amstaffs about 32 kg.
- A Staffordshire Terrier's nose can only be black, but a Pit Bull's nose can also be brown.
Note! Although both dogs have a powerful body, staffs still lose to pit bulls in fighting qualities.
Features of care
There are no differences in keeping pets. The main thing is to wash and comb them regularly. For water procedures (once a month is enough), use dog shampoo (sold in a veterinary store).
Brush the coat 3 times a week. The procedure helps protect your pet from bacteria and insects.
It is worth regularly examining the ears, eyes, claws and teeth of dogs. If your dog has plaque on his teeth, you should carefully remove it with a cotton pad soaked in boric acid. Dead wool particles are collected with a rubber glove.
Training
Proper upbringing will make representatives of these breeds loyal friends and protectors. They need serious physical activity. Both the pit bull and the staff do not like too spacious rooms; they feel uncomfortable there.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
It is not recommended to keep dogs on a chain, as this leads to the development of aggression.
From day one, the owner must show that he is in charge. The favorite should understand who the leader is.
The Staffordshire Terrier is easier to train, but a pit bull can also be trained quickly if you contact an experienced dog handler.
Coercion while learning commands will depress your pet and cause aggression. This will manifest itself in the destruction of furniture, emptying the house, refusal of the muzzle, etc.
You need to start training at 1.5 months. The baby should not be allowed to growl at the owner, as this may negatively affect his behavior in the future.
Nuances of training:
- praise – makes the dog try harder;
- walks - up to 18 months the pet must be taught to behave friendly with other relatives;
- no rudeness, no raising of voice. You should look into the animal’s eyes more often so that it understands the importance of the owner;
- intransigence - you cannot follow your pet’s lead;
- elimination of aggression at its first manifestations, even when the reaction is justified (barked at a drunk, etc.). If an amstaff or pit bull is praised for such an act once, they may subsequently show unfriendliness towards everyone.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
The best time for training is when the animal is up to six months old.
Dog breeds for comparison:
- Bull Terrier (standard or miniature)
- English Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) - also known as Staffy Bull or Staffy
- American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) - aka pit bull
- American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) - also known as Staff, Amstaff, Stafford
The Staffordshire bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, pit bull and bull terrier have common ancestors - bulldogs (English bulldog, literally: “bull dog”), which at the beginning of the 19th century were used for brutal baiting of bulls and bears in England.
Despite their historical relationship, these dogs were bred for different purposes and have certain external differences. These breeds received official recognition at approximately the same time - in the second half of the 19th century. Some of them are even registered twice: for example, the same breed was presented in England as the American Pit Bull Terrier, and in America as the American Staffordshire Terrier. There is a similar confusion with the Stafford: this is what the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is called all over the world, and here we call it Amstafa.
To understand in more detail the differences between the Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), the American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull), the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staff Bull) and the Standard Bull Terrier, let's look at each breed separately.
What is the difference between a Staff Bull and a Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull and Bull Terrier?
The Staff Bull, like the Mini Bull Terrier, is significantly smaller in size than the standard Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull.
Unlike Staff Bulls and Pit Bulls, the ears and tails of Staff Bulls and Bull Terriers are never cropped. The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is distinguished from other breeds by its highly developed cheek muscles and wide skull. Because of these features of the structure of the muzzle, he was nicknamed the smiling dog.
»» More information about the STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER breed
Having a common ancestor, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier and Bull Terrier were bred for one purpose - these dogs were intended for fighting. The only difference was in specialization: baiting bulls, bears, or fighting with their own tribesmen. Therefore, it is impossible to determine which of the listed breeds is more dangerous.
A dog's behavior primarily depends on proper upbringing and socialization. If you do not devote enough time to this, or make systematic mistakes (for example, mistreating your pet), then a dog of any breed, even a decorative one, can become aggressive.
The difference in walking and maintenance
Both breeds can be kept both in a private house and in an apartment. It is not recommended to keep such individuals outside; they do not tolerate frost well. If the winter turns out to be cold, then it is better to buy your pet a jumpsuit.
Dogs need to be walked 2-3 times a day: with games, running and training in the fresh air (there are special areas for training).
A leash and muzzle are a must-have accessory for walks.
Living conditions, education and training
Proper upbringing will make representatives of these breeds loyal friends and protectors. They need serious physical activity. Both the pit bull and the staff do not like too spacious rooms; they feel uncomfortable there.
We suggest you read: A goat gives birth, what to do
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
It is not recommended to keep dogs on a chain, as this leads to the development of aggression.
From day one, the owner must show that he is in charge. The favorite should understand who the leader is.
Coercion while learning commands will depress your pet and cause aggression. This will manifest itself in the destruction of furniture, emptying the house, refusal of the muzzle, etc.
You need to start training at 1.5 months. The baby should not be allowed to growl at the owner, as this may negatively affect his behavior in the future.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
The best time for training is when the animal is up to six months old.
When it comes to living conditions and training, there is no difference between the Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier. Both breeds require high levels of socialization with people and animals to avoid mental problems or phobias.
Both species require disciplined training and long active walks. Cynological sports are recommended: canicross, frisbee dog, dogpulling. Excellent results can be achieved in waitpulling, springpole and even obedience.
Cute Staffbull
The Staff Bull, unlike the Pit Bull and Amstaff, is less stubborn, kind by nature, and needs gentle training. But by analogy with terriers, it requires a constant surge of physical energy and mental potential. Smart, tries to please the owner - easy to train.
None of the three breeds are suitable for living in an enclosure; short hair and a complete lack of undercoat will not be able to warm the dog in cold weather. All described species are very attached to their owners and require constant contact with humans. Due to the not very large size of the breed, keeping it in an apartment or house is acceptable, but subject to daily active walking.
Attitude towards children and other animals
Amstaffs and pit bulls are friendly to children, ready to endlessly protect them and forgive their pranks. They love to play with babies.
But you shouldn’t leave the dog alone with the child; a powerful animal can accidentally touch the baby and cause him harm. Therefore, you can trust your son or daughter with a fighting dog only when they have reached school age.
Staffordshire and Pit Bull Terriers perceive cats and other animals as prey. The owner needs to teach the dog to be friends with pets from a very early age. During the walk, attention is paid to ensuring that he does not rush at a squirrel, cat or other dog.
Whom to choose
For active people who play sports, it is recommended to get a pit bull. He's more mobile. However, the dog must be carefully trained, otherwise it will become unmanageable.
For lovers of quiet leisure time, less mobile Staffords are suitable.
When deciding to get a larger individual, you should pay attention to the Amstaff, since outwardly it is more powerfully built.
Prices for puppies vary:
- a pit bull costs 4-15 thousand rubles;
- Staffordshire Terrier 5-35 thousand.
The cost is largely determined by the pedigree of the representatives, external qualities and the level of the nursery. If an animal is bred for the purpose of participating in various exhibitions, then the choice is obvious - the Staffordshire Terrier. Pit bulls are not allowed at these events, which significantly reduces their cost.
Both pets need tenderness, attention and firm discipline. In the absence of care, cruelty and connivance, any breed becomes aggressive.
Especially if this quality has been bred for years and was actively used for the purpose of bloody battles, like these representatives. Therefore, it is not recommended to take on a staff or pit bull without experience.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
Before purchasing a pet, you should carefully examine small puppies, observe their behavior and play (character traits are visible from childhood), and ask the breeder for documents.
The similarity of the breeds is manifested in external characteristics: powerful build, strong limbs and jaw, identical colors.
But the Stafford is built proportionally, unlike the Pit Bull. By nature, he is more flexible and amenable to training, and with proper upbringing he will become a friendly and flexible member of the family.
Difference in character
The difference between a pit bull and an amstaff is as small in character as in appearance.
As mentioned above, both breeds were bred from the same ancestor, who was distinguished by unusually strong fighting qualities. Since in the process of crossing the preservation of this particular characteristic was given priority, it became quite logical to obtain dogs that are considered the most aggressive and cruel among dog breeds.
However, anger and bloodthirstiness are the result of purely human intervention in the character of the animal. Many Amstaff owners are delighted with the dog's game, believing that its proof is only possible in the ring. However, a game aimed at fighting with its own kind or with representatives of other species can only lead to the development of ferocity in the dog towards living beings.
It is thanks to the dog's upbringing as a bodyguard that the media continues to be full of headlines about these dogs attacking people. Such stories appear especially often in the domestic media, since fighting breeds are not prohibited in the former CIS, unlike in European countries or the United States, where dogs are used only by law enforcement agencies.
Still, Staffords and Pit Bull Terriers themselves are very peaceful and friendly animals that get along well with children and a variety of animals. These dogs are devoted to their owner and perceive him as a friend and companion. Staffordshire Terriers are extremely intelligent and honest and playful dogs. Bull Terriers are active, cheerful and curious dogs, with whom their owners have a great time both on the dog playground and at home. Therefore, from the point of view of character, it does not matter much whether it is better to have a pit bull or a stafford.
Related article: Common and Rare Pit Bull Colors
Photo and video review
You can see the differences in the dogs’ external features and behavior, as well as the strength and power of the breed in the presented photos and videos.
